California state officials are recommending meningitis vaccines due to a recent outbreak, especially for men who have sex with men.
There have been eight confirmed meningitis cases Los Angeles County; four of these cases have been in men who have sex with men (MSM), a County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health news release reported.
Three of the cases in MSM individuals were in the West Hollywood and North Hollywood areas; two of the patients were between the ages of 27 and 28 while another was 50.
The California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health is recommending a Meningococcal vaccine for "HIV-positive MSM (including men who may or may not identify as gay or bisexual) and MSM, regardless of HIV status, whose activities put them at higher risk," the news release reported.
"All HIV-positive MSM and all MSM, regardless of HIV status, who regularly have close or intimate contact with multiple partners, or who seek partners through the use of digital applications, particularly those who share cigarettes, marijuana or use illegal drugs, should visit their health provider to be vaccinated against invasive meningococcal disease," Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Office, said in the news release. "At- risk MSM who dont have health insurance can obtain a free vaccination through the Department of Public Health."
IMD is a "sporadic and uncommon bacterial infection" that mainly affects the blood, brain lining and spinal cord but can damage almost any part of the body. The infection can cause brain damage and hearing loss and can eventually lead to death. It can be spread by exposure to a cough or sneeze.
Symptoms of the infection include: "high fever, stiff neck, altered mental status, skin rash, severe headache, low blood pressure, aversion to bright lights, and generalized muscle pains," the news release reported.
